Let's get the Swedish blackjack rules straight, shall we?

So, in Sweden you can play BJ in the casinos operated by the state, or you can play BJ in restaurant casinos run by private companies under the supervision of the state. In both cases, the rules of the game are decided upon by the state; however, the rules differ. Let's talk about the case of restaurant BJ.

The Wizard answered the following question (about 2/3 of the way down the page) in Ask The Wizard no 157:

Sir! What is or where we can find the best basic strategy for Club Blackjack as played in Finland, Sweden and Baltic Ferries. 6d, NHC, DD9-11,1Spl, NDAS,dealer wins ties 17-20 (17-19 in Swd). We understand that this is a complete suckers game with house edge of nearly 9% but it is the only game in town and since we cannot win we would at least die fighting as good soldiers are expected to do. Thank You!
- Vankka from Vantaa, Finland

I've actually seen those rules when I went to Helsinki in 1986. I was only 20 at the time and I'm embarrassed to say I actually played the game, because I still underage in the U.S., and was still years away from becoming the Wizard. In fact it would have been the first legal game of blackjack I ever played. Meanwhile there was a single-zero roulette table right next to it.

I assume the dealer stands on soft 17 in both cases. It is my understanding that double after a split is allowed in Sweden but not Finland. Assuming that I get a house edge of 5.99% in Sweden and 8.93% in Finland.

After giving his answer, the wizard publishes strategy charts for the rules stated above.

As a dealer myself, I do feel the need to make some corrections:

First, in Swedish restaurant BJ you can double down on 7-11, not just 9-11.
Second, double after split is NOT allowed in Swedish restaurant BJ.
Third, unlimited resplitting is allowed, even on aces.

To summarize the rules for Swedish Restaurant BJ:

Six decks.
Dealer stands on S17.
BJ pays 3 to 2.
No surrender allowed.
No hole card. Player loses all bets in case of dealer BJ.
Double down allowed on 7-11 and on two first cards only.
When doubling down on a soft hand, ace counts as one.
DAS not allowed.
Unlimitted resplitting allowed.
Hitting after split aces not allowed. No BJ after split aces.
Resplitting aces allowed.
17-19 ties lose.
20, 21 and BJ ties push.



Given this, what correction to the wizard's strategy (if any) should be made? Are there for example situations where one should double down on 7 or 8?

I just would flat out refuse to play this awful game.

Quote: TheEye

Given this, what correction to the wizard's strategy (if any) should be made? Are there for example situations where one should double down on 7 or 8?

There are many situations in which A6 and A7 should be doubled...

Quote: TheEye

17-19 ties lose.
20, 21 and BJ ties push.

I lol'd.

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Quote: rdw4potus

There are many situations in which A6 and A7 should be doubled...

But do note that if you double down on a soft hand, the ace must count as one according to Swedish restaurant BJ rules.

Quote: TheEye

But do note that if you double down on a soft hand, the ace must count as one according to Swedish restaurant BJ rules.

In that case there would be no basic strategy difference between allowing doubles on 7-11 or 9-11 as you would never double on 7 or 8 anyway.

They could look to be even more generous and allow doubles on 5-13 :-)

Quote: Switch

In that case there would be no basic strategy difference between allowing doubles on 7-11 or 9-11 as you would never double on 7 or 8 anyway.

They could look to be even more generous and allow doubles on 5-13 :-)

I see. How about the fact that double after splitting is not allowed? This ought to change the strategy for splitting in some situations, right?

Quote: TheEye

I see. How about the fact that double after splitting is not allowed? This ought to change the strategy for splitting in some situations, right?

Yes, in regular Blackjack there are some splits that you don't do if you are not allowed DAS. I guess it would have a similar effect on this game as well. I've only played with DAS so I'm not familiar with the no-DAS rules but 2,2 and 3,3 verses a dealer 2 (and 3?) ring a bell as to the some of the differences.

Quote: TheEye

I see. How about the fact that double after splitting is not allowed? This ought to change the strategy for splitting in some situations, right?

I think not splitting 44 against a 5 or 6 is the only strategy change if there's no DAS. These are really pathetic rules. I'm surprised there are enough players to allow this game to remain.

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